It only takes a blink of an eye to lose everything.

A Christmas day fire took the home of Melissa Standridge and Todd Platt. The couple lived on Boston Street in Allen.

The home was a total loss and was fully engulfed when the Allen Fire Department arrived and eight firemen fought the blaze for approximately two hours before it was extinguished. No one was home at the time of the fire but the structure’s total loss included the loss of the couple’s pets.

The two had left the home about 10:15 am to go to her parents’ home for a Christmas celebration; they were alerted about 11:00 am that their home was on fire. It is believed the fire started due to a wood burning stove.

They wish to thank everyone and are amazed at the generosity of this community. They are currently staying in a travel trailer loaned to them by a friend and have received a number of donations of clothing. Anyone wishing to donate to the couple may do so by taking items or cash by the trailer at 202 S. Boston.